Even though I'm a stranger I can't help but feel devastated at the loss of such a wondeful young lady. When I saw the clip of her aunt on the news I hoped they would say she was found ok or with only minor injuries. I keep asking of all the victims, why did she have to be one of the dead? I know that may sound wrong but she was so young and just started to begin her new life. I got choked up when I saw her picture, what a stunning young woman she was. My heart goes out to her family and friends, all I can tell you is to celebrate her life and what she accomplished. Forget any regrets, just remember the good times you had with her. May God keep you in His hands, and may you all be reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven.

I'm still shocked. I can't believe that Mr. Long is gone. He was my teacher from 7th - 12th grade, but I knew him since I was 5 years old. He taught my older cousins and yes, I used to be afraid of him! As I grew, I became less afraid and more anxious to one day finally be his student. During the 6 years of being in his classroom, Mr. Long was a teacher, mentor, comedian, confidant, and friend. He practically raised us kids! He taught us everything from Vocabulary (remember those orange books?), Literature (Cyrano!), Grammar (ugh, transitive verbs and don't forget the denouement), and one year of Bible class. And I'll never forget our weekly journals and those silly surveys we used to make him fill out. But Mr. Long was never above filling out surveys, telling stories about his youth and how he met Karen at Bob Jones, difficulties having a child (thank God for Devin), stories of his German Mother, and secretly sharing his middle name with us (Sheldon). He was never above making fun of himself and even allowing us kids to make fun of him (bananas!). Mr. Long was a part of my youth and anytime I think of my Jr. High/High School years, I will synonymously think of Mr. Long. I am incredibly sad that he is gone, and I wish I had the opportunity to see him one last time (with gray hair). He touched our lives and our hearts. Mrs. Long, you were the love of his life and he always vocally thanked God that he found you. Devin, you were a gift and a miracle to your Dad, and he always told us that before and after you were born. Mr. Long, you are unforgettable and your spirit will live on through all the lives you touched. The good news is that we will see you again one day.

Mr. Grace was a great counselor and he made all students middle school a lot easier. I'll miss him soo much. rest in peace!

hm this is such a tragic for all RMS students, he was one of the nicest staff of RMS . always smiling, always willing to help . ofcourse everyone is saddened by the lost . we will miss you mister grace and you may rest in peace . he was such a great man . i hope youre in a better place now and we will all miss you dearly .

There are no words to say when someone great is taken from us so suddenly. It is apparent that he impacted people around him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

My Uncle Chuck was one of the most amazing people someone could ever meet. He always had something funny to say and talked with his hands. Waiting at Chatsworth high school, with the other families. I kept expecting him to come around a corner with his arms and hands waving in the air telling us his story. But he never came. The world won't be the same without him.

Rest in peace Mr Grace. You will never be forgotten.
<3

Mr.Grace was a mentor to everyone at roosevelt. You couldnt get by without knowing him and how great of a guy he was. He was always involved in school activities and spent his precious time coaching lucnh activities and traveling to other schools to ref. the RMS ball games. You will be missed Mr.Grace but apparantly God needs you more than we do. Rest In Peace and my heart and condolences go out to the family, friends, co workers, students and anyone who got to enjoy him.

Departure: Chatsworth
Arrival: Heaven

Mr.Grace will always be remembered as a good caring person. He's the reason I'm in the AVID program. May God Bless Him and his Loved ones.

I had the opportunity to work with Ron at Roosevelt Middle for the past nine years. He was friendly, supportive, understanding,and cared for the students.He was always willing to give a helping hand. He will be truly missed.